| Home | Services | Office | Charlotte Howard, Ph.D. | Jev Sikes, Ph.D. | Sydnor Sikes, Ph.D. | Tori Olds, Ph.D. | Glenn Olds, Ph.D. | Workshops |
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I believe that we are social creatures and as such, that our psychological health is innately linked to the health of our relationships. Recent findings in affective neurobiology echo this sentiment and highlight the fact that achieving interpersonal connection and intimacy is more than a just a source of emotional support; it is actually critical to healthy neurological development. In our effort to achieve this connection and intimacy, we often develop strategies that, while serving an important function, may lead to maladaptive patterns in the long run. Therapy provides clients with an opportunity to explore these interpersonal and intra-personal dynamics within a safe relationship. I therefore believe that the quality of this relationship between therapist and client is a critical factor in treatment. As a therapist, I strive to provide the following in my interactions with clients: attunement, curiosity, a non-judgmental attitude, compassion, authenticity and a willingness to self-disclose. I also bring an eagerness to observe all aspects of an individual, as well as a willingness to provide direct feedback, to challenge defenses, and to explore new modes of relating. From the secure base that is created by an attuned relationship, I find that clients are able to access natural inner resources such as curiosity, altruism, and confidence, which in turn often lead to a desire to engage in self-exploration and to experiment with change both during and outside of session. Because of the relational nature of my work, I am a strong believer in the power of group therapy. The group experience provides members with a number of unique features that make it an excellent adjunct to individual therapy. Within the therapy group, people tend to socially engage in ways that are familiar. By helping members to slow down and encouraging a culture of curiosity and exploration, group members have the opportunity to become aware of their own interpersonal dynamics and then explore new modes of engagement. Additionally, almost all of us are curious to know how we are perceived by others. Group provides members with an opportunity to give and receive this gift of authentic feedback within a safe, supportive environment. I am on the board of the Austin Group Psychotherapy Society. An intimate relationship is hard work but is arguably the most important job we will ever have. Research from the field of attachment has demonstrated that as adults, no other relationship has greater potential to alter relational patterns and foster personal growth. Unfortunately, committed relationships can also be fragile. Numerous life stressors and personality dynamics can cause us to become increasingly distant or distrustful of our partners. Counseling provides couples with the opportunity to explore communication patterns, share insecurities, and develop greater empathy, compassion and trust. I have particular interest and experience in working with adolescent and young adult issues, depression, anxiety, multicultural and acculturation issues, existential/spiritual issues, sexual concerns and self-esteem. Growing up in a variety of different countries provided me with the opportunity to witness firsthand that perceptions of psychological health can differ widely between cultures. Despite these differences, one uniting characteristic I observed was the desire for human contact--an observation which contributed to my later interest in multiculturalism and interpersonal psychology. For my undergraduate education, I attended Middlebury College in Vermont where I studied environmental science. It was at Middlebury where I met my future wife, Tori. Together we traveled to Texas A&M where we both received our Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology. Though my field of study shifted from the environment to psychology, I still have a strong interest in issues of sustainability, stewardship, and environmental education. Each summer Tori and I enjoy spending some time at the family farm in the Northeast Kingdom putting these concepts into practice. The creative process is also something that I highly value. In my free time here in Austin, I enjoy writing, sculpting and landscaping. Please feel free to contact me at 512-217-9579 for more information about my practice or to schedule a session. 508 Deep Eddy Avenue | |||||
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